A Midland County family is receiving an outpouring love after the passing of Fritz Bobalek, a retired sheriff’s office detective lieutenant and township fire chief who offered more that his role as a rescuer.

Bobalek, 69, died at his home Monday from pancreatic cancer. His career included service with the U.S. Army in Vietnam for two years, 29 years with the Midland County Sheriff’s Office and 32 years with the Larkin Township Fire Department. Ten of those years, Bobalek served as fire chief.

In the days since his passing, his Facebook page has become a place not only to share love and grieve his loss, but to tell stories.

“A few moons ago, I was a brand new firefighter and had no clue what I ‘wanted to be when I grew up,’” wrote Caitlin Lambert. “He taught me so much — more than just working a fire scene ... most of all he taught me that family is more than blood.”

After learning the ropes as a firefighters, Lambert eventually landed in nursing school.

“I had a rough start to nursing school, which left me studying at the fire station (or anywhere I had a light to study by) many nights until well after 2 a.m., but I’d always get a little note or a pat on the back at the station with him saying “keep smiling kiddo.’”

“One thing I know for sure, every young man needs a mentor, a father figure, even better a dad who encompasses it all. As a troubled youth Fritz and his family took me in and helped me become the man I am today. He not only told me I could be more than I thought I could be, he showed me how. Each step of the way he told me he was proud, if I took a step backwards, he was still there. He told me he loved me and to just work harder and believe in my self,” Forshee wrote.

“In the end he made me want to be a better person, citizen, and more importantly he showed me how to be a great dad and for that I am eternally grateful.”

Those who worked with Bobalek in various capacities also are remembering him.

“Such a great man and wonderful human being,” wrote Ken Mault, who also retired from the Midland County Sheriff’s Office. “Proud to have served with him.”

“I am sure Fritz will keep the angels in line and on edge,” Hanson wrote. “So proud to have been able to work with you and call you a friend,” Cozat offered.

Roger Garner, retired county emergency management coordinator, said he will cherish his memories of his friendship with Bobalek.

“From my first day of work at Midland County Fritz was my guide, counselor, and friend,” Garner wrote. “He listened to my worries, fears, and frustrations, and always supported me. I can’t imagine what those early days of my career would have been like without him.”

While a member of the sheriff’s office, Bobalek was awarded as an Officer of the Year by the Police Officers Association of Michigan, and received an award for bravery from the Midland County Board of Commissioners. Both recognitions were for a May 31, 1991, incident that occurred in Edenville Township.

Officials had responded to a call of a suicidal man, and at one point the subject had pointed a loaded .357-caliber revolver at another deputy and pulled the trigger. Acting on instinct, Bobalek shoved his hand between the weapon’s hammer and receiver, stopping the gun from firing and saving his partner’s life.

The awards are just two that Bobalek earned during his public service career.

His family was the most important thing in his life, and his is survived by his wife and numerous children, grandchildren and more.

Memorial services are set for 11 a.m. Friday at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St. Elders Sue and Randy Rausch of the Community of Christ Church will officiate. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Full military honors will be presented by the Midland Area Veterans and last call honors will be presented by the Larkin Township Fire Department and the Midland County Sheriff’s Department.